AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Air Force quarterback Tim Jefferson had plenty of answers during Saturday’s season-opening game against North- western State of Louisiana.
The Falcons amassed 616 total yards and 30 first downs, looking more impressive in the second half after a sluggish start.
“I think we looked at the name of the team we were playing and said, ‘It’s going to be a cakewalk,’ ” Jefferson said after the Falcons’ 65-21 victory. “We saw what happened when you don’t come ready to play from the beginning.”
Coach Troy Calhoun liked what he saw from his new offensive line, aside from two false-start penalties.
“We have to be a group that improves all season long,” Calhoun said. “We didn’t change our snap count from Aug. 1 to today, so there shouldn’t be false starts.”
Earning a salute.
AFA linebacker Brady Amack praised Northwestern State quarterback Paul Harris for his outstanding performance in the first half. “He made some great plays,” Amack said. “He’s a slippery guy, but we were flat too.”
Amack intercepted a Harris pass during the second half.
Footnotes.
AFA senior Keil Bartholomew got passing marks as a punter. He averaged 45 yards on two punts. . . . Calhoun praised his defense for adjusting to the sprint-out pass and playing it better in the second half. . . . AFA cornerback Reggie Rembert left the game in the first half with a neck injury.
Three questions
A look at how Air Force answered Irv Moss’ three questions going into the opener:
1. Is the offensive line ready to go? With five new starters, Air Force’s line got better as the game developed. When it was over, the Falcons had amassed 616 total yards. The Falcons lost yardage on only 13 plays — none on a quarterback sack.
Is the punting job filled? The first test made it seem that Keil Bartholomew has filled the position. He averaged 45 yards on two punts.
Is it more than a tuneup? The Demons gave the Falcons all they wanted in the first half. They led the Falcons in total yards 257- 227. We will see this week if it was good preparation for BYU.
